Scrabster is expecting six turnaround and four transit calls this year compared to four plus three in 2009. Passenger numbers will reach 3,312 transit and 245 turnaround in 2010 compared to 2,248 and 143 turnaround last year.
The Scottish port is receiving calls from Saga, Spirit of Adventure, Holland America Line and Compagnie du Ponant for the first time this year as well as a first-time call from Alexander von Humboldt.
The port has three quays two miles from the centre. It provides free shuttle buses if requested that run from the quayside to the town, Thurso. The largest vessel that can be accommodated alongside is one of 180m in length and 7.5m draught but there is an anchorage 0.3 miles from the landing stage
The port can handle about 1,000 passengers at present based on shore excursion limitations but Gordon Mackenzie, harbour master Scrabster Harbour Trust, says the port is “looking to expand the number and variety of excursions to encourage larger vessels/numbers”. In this respect he adds that the hope is to “undertake a deepwater development in two to three years’ time which could accommodate the larger vessels”.
